Without reference to minor issues:
Continuous Valve type noise since new.
Oil presenting on inlet manifold and Turbo charger body since new.
Excessive crank case pressure.
Fine cracks detected at each valve in cylinder head.
Direct engine repairs re oil and noise to Date;
Numerous valve adjustments.
Five (5) turbo chargers.
1 new cylinder head.
1 short motor that presented with the same problems on first drive from dealer.
Rocker Cover and induction line modifications to curb oil in inlet.
2 timing belts.
1 long motor. etc etc.
Gear Box - Bearing collapse difficult 1st gear select. New Gearbox fitted.
Clutch - Vibration and slipping - Worn on outer edges - replaced and machined.
Differential - Noisy bearings 1st then loose bearing carriage on two occasions.
Power Steering Pump - Leaking front seal - Replaced unit.
Cooling Fan - Viscous Couplings x 2 due to bearing collapse.
Service Brakes Rear Drums - Distorted and required machining.
Fan Belt Adjustment Bolt - Sheared of while travelling.
Body Finish - Roof sagging at cross members weld positions.
And the list goes on!
One of the best Vans I have owned and driven with regard to functionality, comfort and handling.
Load capabilities are not understated and would out perform most competition.
Would be an excellent commercial vehicle, but is sadly let down by Ford Australia and the dealer whom lack capability, commitment and understanding.
I also have an Australian ford transit van Turbo charged 96' has broken down 4 times once every 2 months. costing over $500 everytime only driven 20,000 klms.
Had a transit in Germany 86' model never broke down in the 3 years I had it driven 50,000 klms, very reliable.
I have an ex- Australia Post (SWB) van. Like most of them, it has an automatic transmission. I have used it for 150000km for the past 2 years; replaced the tail shaft with second hand ones 4 (four) times, timing belt once, and the gearbox once. Very reliable carrying heavy loads, but parts and maintenance cost are very expensive!
I own an 1995 ex-AustPost van. Great size and good handling van which is also very comfortable as well.
Now for the problems.
Trans. rebuild at 135,000k's - $3,500 for reconditioned parts. I wondered why AustPost were selling it so soon - should have guessed.
Fuel pump at 230,000k's - $3,500 for reconditioned unit. Funny, but there were a number of other Transits in for the same problem as mine. The mechanic said its pretty common.
Alternator at 250,000k's - they wanted $1200 for genuine - fitted a Mitsubishi one for $700 - best part in the vehicle now.
Fuel pump sensor at 270,000k's - $350.
The trans. is now making a bit of noise, as is the steering box. The engine and trans. leak oil, and have done so for some time.
The air-con clutch has died, the fan is cactus, and the heater is now jammed on! Also have had a number of odd electrical problems in the dash, and with the side door locking mechanism.
Seems the trick to making the auto trans. last is to only use the overdrive when doing 75kms/hr or more. This keeps the strain off it. The postal drivers of course just wack it in 'D' a go for it. No wonder they have so many blow ups.
I really like the size and driveability of the van, just sick of the crappy running gear. A mate bought a 2004 model (not AustPost) and has had a lot of similar problems.
Recently drove a Ford Transit Van for 3400Kms. Mechanically it was reliable and an easy vehicle to drive, but the problem was an exploding back cargo door glass pane. There were no vehicles behind me and none had just passed me going either way. Does anyone have any knowledge of similar happenings?
I bought a 98 transit lwb turbo diesel auto van. {not austpost}
In Feb this yeah with 125030km and in the past 9 months I've had to replace.
The starter motor $700 at 126450km.
Lifter pump with exaustpipe shield covering it $400 at 141200km.
Injector pump seal $3400 at 144600km.{Would have only cost $1800 for the seal, but ford said there were a lot of other parts in the pump that had to be replaced.}
Rear door handle broke $80, and the door doesn't close properly.
Central locking stopped working.{still haven't got it fixed
The auto trans and diff were reconditioned before I bought it, and it still feels strong.
Other than that it's a great van that feels bullet proof when carrying heavy loads, but it could do with more power and better handling and cheaper repair costs.
These comments are very interesting to me as I am looking seriously at buying a 99 Australian ford Transit, 2 Lt petrol model. I love driving it, and the space for my cleaning business would be great, but I have no intention of spending thousands of dollars on repairs, so I'll give it a miss and look at similar vehicles. Thanks for your comments.
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